Sean and Claudia Finnerty became parents at the age of 18 when they gave birth to their daughter Lily. Now, at the age of 32, they have to deal with their three children Lily, Jimmy and Henry, as well as Sean's father Walt and Sean's younger brother Eddie. This series was unique because unlike most sitcoms, Grounded For Life explained the problem or situation of the episodes almost exclusively through flashbacks.

This hilarious sitcom originated on FOX where it lasted for two years. When FOX canceled it, The WB picked it up to air the rest of the third season and to produce an additional two seasons.